Tag Archives: Edition Hotel

The Edition, Istanbul

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The London Edition is the hottest hotel in town. Artistic and elegant, it is frequented by A-listers from Kate Moss to Damien Hirst. The Istanbul Edition is quite different in style and purpose; located in the business district of Levent, this high class and high rise building is out on a limb. Although the trendy, wealthy area of Bebek is nearby, there are no hip hang-outs on the doorstep or cool boutiques round the corner. But guests need not fear, a metro station is conveniently just outside the main hotel entrance, delivering you to the centre of town within minutes.

Inside there are very few indications of Istanbul, the sleek modern interiors are welcoming but slightly non-specific. While checking-in, I was distracted away from the reception desk by the tank of exotic fish and sea creatures, design quirks like this gave a showy futuristic feel.

Even the smallest rooms are spacious at the Istanbul Edition. Our Deluxe Room was spread over 50 square metres and had every contemporary gadget you could imagine. From the giant central bed, we could operate every blind, curtain, shutter and light, controlling the exact ambience of the room. An internal curtain drew back to reveal the luxury bathroom in all its glory. The design is the epitome of minimalistic chic. The palette doesn’t deviate from pale grey and warm caramel shades. No one could fault the facilities and the design is sure to appeal to most. I slept like a baby in the regal bed, and adored the large rectangular marble bath, complete with own brand toiletries.

We felt like we were the first guests to experience the space, which is testament to the quality, upkeep and cleanliness.

The ESPA is a ‘destination spa’. Located deep underground it feels totally removed from the rest of the hotel. There are numerous treatment rooms, male and female hammams, rock sauna, steam room and snow cabin, oh, and a plunge pool with a sculptural, shimmering onyx ceiling.

Italian-based Cipriani Restaurant is found on the ground floor, all meals are served here including breakfast. With notably more colour and character, this area of the hotel gives off a different relaxed vibe. Breakfast was a tad dull, the lack of hot, freshly cooked, a la carte items was disappointing.

Although located in the financial district, the Edition Istanbul is much more than a business hotel. The spa is reason alone to visit.

More information and book here.

Berners Tavern, Edition Hotel

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Berners Tavern has received rave reviews from every critic and blogger who’s managed to nab a table. This lavish eatery is part of Ian Schrager’s new London Edition Hotel which has already welcomed high-profile guests including Kate Moss and Damien Hirst. Within a week of opening, Edition became THE place to stay while Berners Tavern became THE place to eat. With Chef Jason Atherton in-charge of the kitchen, it’s hardly surprising – he can do no wrong and with Berners Tavern he has hit the jackpot once again, his third successful London opening this year.

The opulent dining room has an impressively high ceiling and pictures cover the walls giving the place a boho vintage feel. It is a far cry from the modern minimalist tapas-style eateries monopolising the scene in Soho.

The menu is an all-star compilation of continental favourites: seafood, sandwiches, salads and steaks… after a fruity and flowery cocktail, our starters arrived. Chargrilled chicken paillard with tangy tomato,red onion and rocket was a wonderfully fresh Mediterranean dish, but it was the Crispy Romney Marsh lamb breast with butternut percorino fregola that thrilled – a genius combination of flavours, the earthy vegetables with the juicy meat topped with indulgent cheese, it all worked wonderfully well.

Steaks from the charcoal grill are hearty and filling and perhaps the most popular choice for main… the hunk of meat arrives on a wooden board along with a cup of chunky duck fat chips, salad and sauce. Manly and magnificent. The meat had a lovely depth of flavour enriched further by the various accompaniments. I would have preferred skinnier chips, but that’s being fussy.

Desserts are perhaps the most creative section of the menu… I was tempted by every option. We decided on Caramel apple eclair and Warm almond brioche with pear compote and ginger sorbet. Both were exemplary, indulgent comforting recipes, so tasty you’ll feel obliged to lick the plate clean.

Back through the wondrous lobby, past the check-in and you are confronted by a disorientating piece of modern artwork which marks the entrance to The Punch Room, the secret bar. The elite guests here sip at tumblers of the best punch, recreated with historic references in mind.

The Berners food is less adventurous than Atherton’s other establishments, but will appeal to everyone. Those staying at the hotel will also enjoy the Berners breakfast, I particularly recommend the French toast!

More information and book here: www.bernerstavern.com